New Health Order means Byron Bay businesses resort to extra security and reduced hours
Restaurants, clubs, cafes and cinemas are facing a reduction in the numbers of patrons this week and possible ire from customers not yet fully vaccinated.
Lismore
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It may be Freedom Day for Sydney, but for Byron Bay businesses, operating under the new Health Orders is a massive challenge.
Those who have applied the full vaccination mandate have reduced their operating hours and called in extra security staff, while those who are not going to apply the measure will provide takeaway only.
And for a town centred on tourism, with none currently allowed from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, and low vaccination rates compared to the rest of the state, the business prospect is dire.
Byron Bay RSL Club decided to bolster security for the week and reduce operating hours on Monday to deal with the projected low numbers.
General manager Darren Schipp said the club looks forward to when it can welcome everyone from December 1, when restrictions will ease across the state.
“We decided to close earlier on Monday because we anticipated a lack of patrons. I went for a walk earlier and the centre of town was eerily empty,” he said.
“It might be Freedom Day for Sydney, and we celebrate their new freedoms, but in regional areas many businesses and residents have gone backwards.”
Mr Schipp said the club received some irate messages from members after an email went out to advise them of the restrictions from Monday.
“We decided to bring more security from Tuesday, when we will be open as a cafe and bistro for lunch and dinner,” he said.
“We received some emails back saying we were discriminating against members, but we are only following the government’s mandate.
“Believe me, we are doing this to keep our staff working, and our elderly customers safe, but we wish we could welcome everyone as we normally do.”
The executive said he was grateful the government allowed an extension until November 1 for staff in the industry to be fully vaccinated.
“Without that reprieve, we would have really struggled to have enough staff to continue operating, because of vaccine availability in the area,” he said.
Palace Cinemas Byron Bay also opens this week at reduced hours, with sessions from 1pm to 7pm and 15 films on offer.
General manager Eli Ayo said all cinemas in NSW were mandated to follow the Health Order.
“We have a member of staff in the front of the venue checking on vaccination status, and there is security support from Mercato Shopping Centre, but I feel people understand businesses are just trying to follow the government’s orders the best they can,” he said.
“We understand people’s disappointment at this, as most of our staff have been able to have one dose, but it’s not something we can change and we need to keep the business open and jobs available.
“We have received a number of calls from people asking what the situation was from today, and we are looking forward to allowing everyone back as soon as it’s possible to do so.”
Around Byron Shire, many cafes are sticking with take away only, to avoid having to ask people for proof of double-dose vaccination.
Byron Shire Council announced on Monday that residents and visitors must comply with the Public Health Orders when accessing council-owned facilities.
“This includes being fully vaccinated, using a QR code to check-in, wearing a mask and social distancing,” the social media post reads.
The restrictions apply to Mullumbimby and Byron Bay pools, Cavanbah Centre, Tip shop at the Myocum Resource and Recovery Centre and Council Chambers.
There are no vaccination requirements for people entering council’s offices at Mullumbimby or the Myocum Resource and Recovery Centre.
Staff are available on the phone or email (6626 7000 or council@byron.nsw.gov.au) to help with inquiries.
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